Former Merrimack student Taylor Sawyer ’23 pursued a degree in communication and media with minors in film arts in theater and film studies. During her time at Merrimack, she actively engaged in community events such as the Relay for Life, Mack Gives Back, while also showing her athletic abilities as a Division 1 volleyball player for the Warriors.
After two years on the volleyball court, Taylor realized her true passion is dancing, something she grew up doing. Taylor pivoted from volleyball back to her lifelong dream of being a dancer and successfully auditioned for the Merrimack College Dance Team. Continuing her collegiate athletic career as a member of the Dance Team for her remaining two years, she danced at all kinds of campus events like football games and Accepted Student Days.
Post-graduation, Taylor’s dedication to dance led her to join the Maine Celtics Dance Team in the NBA G League, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience. In February 2024, coming across a new opportunity, Taylor auditioned to become a New England Patriot Cheerleader. She achieved her dream of becoming part of the prestigious group through a rigorous selection process, including video submissions and a two-week boot camp.
Balancing her new role as an NFL cheerleader with her part-time position as a Marketing Administrator at Simon Property Group, Taylor exemplifies the ability to blend professional expertise with personal passion. She practices for the cheerleading team twice a week and looks forward to attending all home games for the New England Patriots soon, embracing her career in marketing with her love for dance.
Taylor urges fellow students to pursue their passions and trust their instincts. Having recognized her desire to pursue dancing after two years of dedicated volleyball, Taylor’s perseverance paid off. She emphasizes the significance of maintaining positivity and engaging in activities that bring joy, as aligning with one’s authentic self will naturally lead to the right career path.
Photo credit to Dwight Darian.
From Merrimack Volleyball to NFL Cheerleading: Taylor Sawyer’s Journey of Passion and Perseverance